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Tuesday, February 02, 2010

DearREADERS,A while back, Ol'Myrt here wrote about APG & Second Life as the initial idea about forming a chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists in Second Life was circulating in "RL" (real life).

Initial hesitation revolved around the Second Life premise of protecting the true identify of avatars (the graphic character a member creates to participate in Second Life activities.)

However, APG members currently participating in Second Life genealogy activities see no problem with informing APG officers of our true identities. In my view, my avatar's name is no different, and no more cryptic than sharing my email address. Remember when we were known as mere numbers on CompuServe? THAT was cryptic!

Now, plans are underway to hold an organizatonal meeting NEXT WEEK for a new APG Second Life chapter (APG-SL), and a notecard explaining the process in being circulated among genealogists in Second Life. It reads as follows:

===========I. WHAT IS APG?===========Association of Professional Genealogists

"The APG umbrella is more than just a brand. It's a powerful resource for networking, education, and arbitration. Our Code of Ethics sets the standard for professional conduct in genealogy.

Under the umbrella, our members blend their diverse backgrounds to create a strong, competent genealogy industry. Our clients trust APG members to adhere to professional standards, and rely on the APG Directory to find the right professional."

===========II. JOIN APG===========One joins by visiting the APG website. The fee is currently $65 annually. Once membership is processed, you will be added to the directory of members, and given access to the "members only" area of the APG website. See: http://www.apgen.org

===========III. JOIN APG-SL===========Second Life terms of service require the protection of your identity as an avatar owner. You are free to keep that info private or share it with others as you see fit.

However, if you wish to attend meetings and participate as a voting member of the APG-SL chapter, you'll need to choose an avatar and be willing to share that identity with APG's Executive Director, Kathleen Hinckley, admin@apgen.org. Existing APG members who wish to change their chapter affiliation may notify Kathy of the change.

===========IV. MEETINGS===========CHAPTER MEETINGSThe APG-SL chapter will hold regular meetings, initially on the second Wednesday each month at 5pm SL time (same as Pacific US, daylight when applicable) at the Just Genealogy Fire Pit. If you need a teleport, see our contact list below. We will be happy to assist.

REAL LIFE MEETINGSFrom the APG members-only website, we read "An APG Roundtable is an informal discussion sponsored by the Association of Professional Genealogists and held during national conferences. A roundtable is one of the best places to network with other APG members, to learn how other professionals market themselves, and to share ideas and methods."

===========V. ENCOURAGING OTHERSTO JOIN THE SL CHAPTER===========The APG-SL Chapter provides a unique opportunity for members to gather regardless of their residence -- and the commute is nothing more than a mouse click away.

So if you are interested in joining a chapter, our organizational meeting will be held NEXT WEEK 10 February 2010 at 5pm SL time, in Second Life around the Just Genealogy Fire Pit. We have much to do, including voting on by-laws, and turning in our formal organizational papers.